Madeline and her new lungs may be in Pittsburgh, but her heart is still in New England. She cheered the Pats on to their fifth Super Bowl title from her room in the CTICU.

Today she celebrated her “release” from intensive care. Since the last post, Madeline was off the vent from Thursday morning until Saturday morning. Friday’s big accomplishment was that Madeline walked vent free from her room to the nurses’ station (about 40 feet away). She was accompanied by a nurse on either side of her and one following behind pushing her chair and all of her various IV lines, chest and stomach tubes. When she got to the nurses’ station, Madeline rested for a bit and then made the return journey. After all that exercise, Madeline went back on the ventilator Saturday morning, but has now been vent-free since Sunday morning.

Madeline has added a few new exercises to her repertoire. The speech pathologist has given her some swallowing exercises to tighten muscles in her larynx and esophagus. Eventually, Madeline will be given a narrower tube in her trach to give her larynx more space to work. Jim reports that now when Madeline talks, she is producing small sounds -- air, no voice yet! -- which is making her more intelligible.

Tomorrow the medical team will biopsy Madeline’s new lungs to test for any signs of rejection. There is a possibility that she may also have the two remaining chest tubes removed. It’s hard to believe how much improvement she has made in just two weeks!

Looking Great Madeline, Im so happy for your sucess and continued progress. What a blessing. You continue to make great steps forward. Wont be long before you"ll be holding your ne granddaughter. God bless you prayers are always coming. Dan

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Cumberland (and Narragansett) Reillys

2/6/2017 10:19:44 pm

Way to GO Mad !!!

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Katie Gilabert

2/6/2017 10:22:27 pm

You truly are Wonder Woman!! Your progress in incredible! We love you. ❤️

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Jane Iannetta

2/6/2017 10:27:48 pm

Wonderful news and so happy for the great strides! You are one strong determined lady Madeline. Praying for your continued steady progress. You sure have a great cheering section in your family, friends and followers!
Prayers continuing!!

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Carol Lennon

2/6/2017 10:31:02 pm

Madeline,
Congratulations on everything you have accomplished so far. You are so strong. I'm sure your motivation is getting back to RI.👍😀

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Mary and JJ

2/6/2017 10:31:26 pm

Look at you with your Patrriots blanket- lots of celebrating to do when you come home. You are making tremendous progress and are an inspiration to all!!! 💕💕

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Ginny Loontjens

2/6/2017 11:02:01 pm

Looking great Madeline! So happy to see you rooting for the Patriots...what a super win!! It's is wonderful news you are doing well!

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Jeanne LaBelle

2/6/2017 11:05:37 pm

I'm delighted to see the progress you're making. Incredible!

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Deb Rowley

2/7/2017 06:23:48 am

You and the Patriots----the gang that never quits. That game will always be your game. Keep it up Mad, it's halftime and things are about to change. Love you

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Lynn Zilly

2/7/2017 07:55:39 am

Wow, you look wonderful. One day at a time. Each day gets a little easier. We are all celebrating you and the Patriots.

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Ellen and Matt

2/7/2017 07:58:13 am

Fantastic! You look wonderful, Madeline! The only thing better than the Pat's victory is seeing you doing so well. Keep up the good work!😍😍😍😍

So thrilled to hear of your wonderful accomplishments, you are really moving along so well! You and the Patriots, "never give up"! Praying for continued progress!

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Denny and Jane

2/7/2017 04:00:56 pm

We are sooo excited for you! Wonderful news!! You look GREAT! Thought of you and Jim on Sunday watching the Patriots-Lots of excitement. God Bless.

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Tom and Tender

2/7/2017 06:02:51 pm

Fantastic progress ! Keep up the good work!

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Tara

2/7/2017 07:31:26 pm

Wonderful progress!! Keep up the great work!! Thinking of you ....
xoxo, The O'Meara Family

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Jack Regan

2/9/2017 05:19:40 pm

Madeline - Joan and I are THRILLED with the news of your successful transplant and amazing progress -- and that you are still a PATS fan ! Keep up your spirits. You're blessed to have Jim and other family members there with you.

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Mary Feeney

2/9/2017 11:12:06 pm

Hello Madeline....so lovely to see you engaging with your favourite football team. You keep smiling amd we will keep praying. Love you Mary x

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Keeping Current

As often as possible, we'll try to update this page to let you know how Madeline is doing and where she is in her fight for new lungs. Visit often!